Post navigation

Shooting a key and Hoiberg believes extra work means more makes

Shooting a higher field goal percentage than the opposition has had a direct correlation with winning during the Fred Hoiberg era at Iowa State.

The Cyclones are 64-6 in games they have made field goals at a better rate than the opponent. That stat is a better predictor for victory than making more FTs than the opponent (57-10 record), committing fewer turnovers (31-15) or registering more bench points (45-12).

Prior to the KU game Monday, the Cyclones made fewer than 30% of their attempts from three-point range only three times this season: BYU (.292), George Mason (.238) and Texas Tech (.263). They followed those respective outings by hitting 37.5% vs. Kansas City, 47.4% vs. Akron and 40.0% vs. Baylor on long-range shots.

ISU has demonstrated an ability to bounce back after a subpar shooting game and Hoiberg believes shooting your way back into form in practice is how confidence is restored.

“We took a ton of shots (Wednesday) and went back to basics,” Hoiberg said. “The biggest thing is to get them as many reps as possible. The day after a game (like Kansas) you (seem to) make them all.”

Hoiberg can also share personal experience with his players as it relates to regaining your shooting form. He’s done it.

The former Chicago Bull missed all four of his three pointers at Indiana one night in 2001 and followed that up by making 7 of his next 8 three-point attempts in games vs. New Jersey and Philadelphia. Multiple other bounce back performances are part of Hoiberg’s NBA game logs.

Saturday afternoon the Cyclones have a chance to show their work in the gym this week had the desired effect when they play at Texas.